The United States has always been known as a nation of immigrants and a top destination for scientists and other highly skilled professionals. That ability to attract the world’s most educated and innovative…

Ask anyone on the street or in the pub about immigration and they’ll invariably say it’s all about boats, 457s and more boats. But immigration policy is obviously about more than just that, and in parallel…

With 457 visa reform, the Coalition is retracing old and risk-laden territory.
Stefan Postles/AAPSeptember 10, 2014

Temporary labour migration in Australia is a highly vexed issue. On the one hand those advocating a rethink of the 457 visa are accused of “turning away skilled, net-contributors to the Australian project…

The government focus on economic migration has meant increased private sector power over who becomes Australian.
Kit/FlickrAgustus 11, 2014

Australia’s migration policy has shifted significantly in the past 20 years, leaving a system subject to widespread rorting and controversy. If there is a single lesson to be learnt from the revelations…

The migration industry is out of control, but that doesn’t mean we should give up.
Jack Tran/AAPAgustus 8, 2014

Recently leaked Immigration department documents reveal considerable rates of visa fraud in the Australian immigration system. This is of grave concern to the Australian public, especially as unemployment…

Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Senator Michaelia Cash has kicked off a review of 457 visas, but the Australian Workforce Productivity Agency won’t be playing a role.
Stefan Postles/AAPJuni 18, 2014

Although few working Australians would be familiar with the work of the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency, all of us depend on it to some degree. In a shortsighted move, the government has decided…

Hairdressing was once on the Migration Occupation in Demand List, which is again under scrutiny.
Alan Porritt/AAPFebruari 7, 2014

It seems the broad debates around migration, and often skilled migration, are little different from one country to the next. The United States is currently considering sweeping migration reforms that include…